A conference to address the supply chain value for farms post-Brexit is set to be held in Dorset 

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) for Dorset will host a regional conference at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester, to address the importance of UK farms being and remaining competitive in the market place and more connected in supply chains. 

Aimed at farmers and growers, the day will focus on three essential areas of knowledge: supply chain, cost of production and consumer trends. AHDB says these areas are aimed at driving agricultural business forward and supporting growth. 

AHDB Dorset chairman George Streatfield, from Denhay Farms, will welcome representatives following a registration at the conference which will take place on Monday, November 27.

A key note speaker will be Harriet Wilson, senior agricultural manager for the Co-op. She will explain the supermarket giant’s strategy to source solely UK meat and the importance of a connected supply chain, supply standards, consistency and volumes through two-way farmer retail relationships. 

Jack Watts, AHDB lead analyst of cereals and oil seeds, will highlight the importance of knowing the cost of production in order to quantify and negotiate the value of products, and hence the margin that can be generated in a supply chain.

Jack said: “It is supply chains and not individual businesses that increasingly compete in a global market and knowing where to target effort in order to compete will be vital for farmers and growers.”

Completing the conference will be Steven Evans, AHDB consumer insight manager, who will focus on current and predicted consumer trends, why farm businesses need to be aware of them and the challenges and opportunities in meeting the needs of the modern consumer.

Luke Rake, principal at Kingston Maurward College, will close the conference formalities at 6pm and join delegates for a networking supper of locally-sourced sausages and mash. 

AHDB, established in 2008, is a statutory levy board funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain. Its aim is to inspire those within the farming industry to succeed in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

For more information and to book a place on the conference visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ahdb-8647761536.